The Best New Drivers for Golf

Can you work the ball—a cut here, a draw there? Be honest. If you can, then the D3 may be the right big stick for you. Its variable-thickness face and redesigned weight insert translate to an improved, lower center of gravity. ($400, Titleist retailers)

PRO TIP: The D3's sibling is the more forgiving D2, a choice you might want to consider unless you're near scratch.

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THE NEW KID

Nike VR3/4S Covert

Rory McIlroy's new sponsor has produced a cavity-back design to straighten off-center hits, a rarity for Rory—he'll play the Tour model, which works best with a consistent swing. ($300, store.nike.com)

This one's our choice for the weekender; it's fun and forgiving, like a great girlfriend. The thin titanium body and "Speed Frame" face can make the most out of an average swing speed. ($300, shop.callawaygolf.com)

PRO TIP: The "smash factor" of your driver is the ratio of clubhead speed to ball speed; a good amateur can hit 1.5, says Sauerhaft.

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THE CHANGELING

TaylorMade R1

The company claims that 80 percent of us play a driver with the incorrect loft, hurting ball speed and launch angle. A dozen loft settings (plus seven for face angle, plus adjustable weights) will help you fix that. ($400, TaylorMade retailers)

PRO TIP: Remember, you cannot adjust your driver once you've started your round. Do it on the range beforehand. Pushing the ball? Try closing the face.

Method: These drivers were among the top models to emerge after Golf Magazine's exhaustive ClubTest, where 40 golfers pound balls for 2 weeks. See complete results at golf.com/clubtest.

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